The Husky Howl

As we begin another school year at Jackson County Central Schools, I want to extend a warm welcome to each of you. The start of a new year is always filled with excitement and anticipation, and we look forward to the opportunities ahead for learning, growth, and connection.

This year will be especially meaningful as we complete the development of our district’s Strategic Plan, which we began last year with the input of students, parents, staff, and community members. From those important conversations, we identified the Desired Daily Experiences (DDEs), our shared hopes and priorities that will guide the future of JCC. These DDEs will serve as our North Star, ensuring that the work we do, both inside and outside the classroom, aligns with our vision for excellent instruction, engaging programs, and supportive opportunities for all students.

We also know that the success of our schools depends on strong partnerships with parents and families. This year, we are committed to walking alongside you as partners in your child’s education. Together, we will create the conditions for our students to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Thank you for your continued support of Jackson County Central Schools. We are excited to begin this school year with you and look forward to all that we will accomplish together.

Go Huskies!

Dr. Mike Neubeck
Interim Superintendent
Jackson County Central Schools

We are excited to announce the launch of the Husky Howl, a new weekly extension to the district newsletter for Jackson County Central Schools. Beginning this school year, the Husky Howl will be delivered every Sunday afternoon directly to the email inboxes of parents and staff. Community members will also have the opportunity to subscribe and stay connected with the great things happening across our schools.

The purpose of the Husky Howl is simple: to keep our school community informed, connected, and inspired. Each edition will work to:

• Celebrate Successes – highlighting the achievements and milestones from the previous week.
  
  

• Share What’s Ahead – providing a look at upcoming events, activities, and important dates.
  
  

• Offer Valuable Updates – including information about district priorities such as the Strategic Plan and other focus areas that will shape the 2025–26 school year.
  
  

Our hope is that the Husky Howl becomes a resource you look forward to each week—an easy way to stay informed and engaged with what's happening at JCC.

We are excited to share the stories, successes, and updates that make Jackson County Central a special place for students, staff, and families. We hope you enjoy the Husky Howl and that it strengthens the connection between our schools and community. If you are aware of community members who do not have children in our school system but would like to have this newsletter sent to them, please have them send their name and email address to communications@jccschools.net.

The fall sports season is underway at Jackson County Central Schools, and we are excited to cheer on our student-athletes in football, volleyball, cross-country, and cheerleading. Our athletes have been working hard to prepare, and we look forward to seeing their dedication, teamwork, and school spirit on full display throughout the season.

As we gather to support our teams, it’s important to remember the role that sportsmanship plays in creating a positive experience for everyone involved. Whether on the field, in the stands, or on the sidelines, athletes and fans alike represent Jackson County Central Schools. The way we cheer, compete, and interact with others reflects not only on our teams, but on our entire school community.

We expect all fans to join us in making JCC events a place where respect, pride, and support shine through. Let’s celebrate the hard work of our athletes, encourage our coaches, and welcome visiting teams and their fans with positive Husky Pride. Below is the JCC Sportsmanship Code. Please take the time to watch the video.

Together, we can make this a great season for our kids—one filled with fun, pride, and lasting memories. Have fun, be a great fan, and let’s show everyone what it means to be part of the JCC community. Our kids deserve nothing less. Go Huskies!

Jackson County Central Schools is preparing for an important Operating Referendum on Tuesday, November 4th, and we are looking for community members to serve as Key Communicators.

This group will play a vital role in helping the district share accurate information about the referendum.

Committee members will:

• Learn the facts about the upcoming referendum

• Provide guidance to the district on effective communication strategies

• Assist in sharing information with community members

• Support a “Get Out The Vote” effort in October

The first committee meeting will be held on Thursday, September 4th at 6:00 PM at the District Office. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please contact Dr. Mike Neubeck at levyforlearning@jccschools.net.

Together, we can ensure our community is well-informed ahead of this important decision.

At Jackson County Central Schools, our teachers are committed to continuous improvement and supporting one another in the important work of educating our students. One of the most impactful ways they do this is through Professional Learning Communities (PLCs).

The idea of continuous improvement is rooted in the Japanese term Kaizen, which means “change for the better.” PLCs embody this philosophy by bringing teachers together on a regular basis to examine student data, reflect on teaching practices, and collaborate on strategies to raise achievement and close learning gaps.

Our teachers bring years of experience, expertise, and deep care for students to these conversations. PLCs give them the opportunity to build on their experiences, share their talents, and design meaningful learning opportunities for every child.

Guided by data-driven decisions, PLCs focus on four essential questions:

1. What do we want students to learn?

2. How will we know when they learn it?

3. What will we do if they don’t learn it?

4. How will we respond if they already know it?

These are not always easy questions to answer, especially when teachers see dozens of students each day, each with unique talents and abilities. However, by working together, our teachers find better solutions and stronger supports for all learners.

This week, our PLC leaders dedicated time to honing their skills as teacher-leaders, helping to elevate the work of Professional Learning Communities across the district. Their efforts ensure that PLCs continue to grow as a cornerstone of collaboration and excellence at JCC.

Our teachers are remarkable professionals who are always striving to be their best for our students. Professional Learning Communities are one of the many ways they live out that commitment every day.

Tuesday, August 26

- Varsity Volleyball vs Blue Earth Area High School at 7:15 PM (Away)

Thursday, August 28

- Varsity Football vs. vs Maple River at 7:00 PM (Away)

Friday, August 29

- Varsity Cross-Country (Boys and Girls) vs Mountain Lake at 10:00 AM (Away)

- Varsity Volleyball vs. Marshall at 5:00 PM (Home)